Modern ZW Problem

[casconi]

I received a brand new Modern ZW with 2 180 power packs for Christmas. I plugged in the power packs to the reccommended A and C slots with jumpers in B and D. When powered up, the green light on the transformer comes lights up. However, no power gets to the tracks. I hooked a test light on the transformer and it never lights up no matter what its on (A,B,C,D) Has anyone ever heard of this or do I have a defective transformer? Thanks!

[laz 57]

HI CASCONI,
Make sure that the jumpers are pushed in all the way and the 180power bricks switches are reset. Reset them with the toggle switch on the brick. Run a 16-18 ga. wire from the common and one from the A terminal to your clip on for the track, one on the no.1 and one on the no.2 this should work when the handle is applied power to 18 volts. If it doesn't it might need to be reset. There is a small hole on the left rear above the terminals, I think the A and U terminals, use the plastic tool and read the instructions on a reset it will flash I think 4 times then it will be reset. Hope this helps?
laz57

[MartyE]

Do you have a command base on the setup? If so the transformer went into command mode waiting for you to pu***R1,2,3,or 4 to adjust outputs A,B,C or D respectively. Of course the handles have to be up to have any effect with the TR command.

[MartyE]

Anything new here?

[laz 57]

MARTY did CASCONI get anywhere with the advice?
laz57

[MartyE]

Don't know...that's what I was wondering.

[Anonymous]

If you are using a CAB 1 controller , the A,B,C, & D posts are factory programed to track 1,2,3,&4 respectively. Which ever post your track is attached is the track needed to be addressed in the CAB 1 remote. Usually D is recommended to correspond with Track 4. The ZW can be programed as per instruction booklet. If this helps, let all know.
noel

[Big_Boy_4005]

I'm wondering too guys, since I was the one who told Chris to ask everyone here in the first place. He'll be back. He's probably just busy with work.

He asked me in an email, and I told him I didn't have any experience with the new ZW or bricks.

[Dave45681]

One additional tidbit:

I am pretty sure the default programming for a ZW causes the middle handles to start at whatever voltage the handles are set and then you go down with the CAB-1 if you want less voltage. The outer handles are of course the opposite, meaning without using the CAB-1 they stay at 0 volts.

Only reason I mention this is because he said he had no output on any of the terminals. If it was in command mode, I think he would see output on B&C if he raised the handles.

[bibeaud]

Reprogram the new PWC ZW to TR-0, then the ZW will work like any other normal transformer -- using all four handles/levers.

This is especially true if going to add in DCS to the system.

[casconi]

Sorry for the delay in my response...
I have not even tried to hook up command. I am simply try to run a train and I am getting no where in conventional mode. When I put a test light to the A U any other combination and put the throttle to full power nothing happens. The ZW is powered up becuase the green light is on. There is not a short because the red light does not come on. There is simply no power being transferred to the track.

[MartyE]

OK That helps...let the mind trust got to work... hopefully one of the members can come up with a fix.

[laz 57]

If you tried to reset the ZW and it doesn't respond you have a bad mother board. This happened to me and I called up Lionel they gave me a name and number told me to take it to a Lionel authorized service shop have the service guy call up and give the Lionel people the number and problem and they sent the mother board to the service center he fixed it was done in about a week. No charge.
Hope this helps?
laz57

[MartyE]

This may sound dumb but try swapping the powerhouses. By this I mean take the one feeding A and move it to C and viceversa.

[laz 57]

Did you reset the bricks?
Hit the toggle switch and then press down on the button.
laz57

[casconi]

I've tried resetting and changing supply ports. I'm taking it to my Authorized Service Station tomorrow, The Roundhouse. I'll let you know what guru says!

[Anonymous]

Casconi,

If you do decide to hook up command control once your modern ZW is repaired - heads up - I learned the hard way that you have to power up the ZW first, then the command base. If you power up the command base first, you will get the same problem described before - green light is on, but no power to the track.

Good luck.